AAT + Corticosteroids for Graft-versus-Host Disease
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial examines whether adding alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) to corticosteroids is more effective than corticosteroids alone in treating high-risk acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). GVHD can occur after a stem cell or bone marrow transplant when donor cells attack the recipient's body. The study will compare the effects of AAT with a placebo (a substance with no active drug) to determine if AAT improves treatment outcomes. Individuals who have recently developed acute GVHD after a transplant and require steroid treatment might be suitable candidates for this trial. As a Phase 3 trial, this study represents the final step before FDA approval, offering participants an opportunity to contribute to potentially groundbreaking treatment advancements.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?
The trial requires that you do not take other drugs for the treatment of GVHD and that you haven't received systemic corticosteroids for any reason within 7 days before the onset of acute GVHD.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Research shows that alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) is generally safe for people. In past studies, researchers used AAT to treat conditions like acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Participants who received AAT reported only minor side effects, indicating that the treatment is well-tolerated. Earlier studies also found that AAT might help patients by providing long-lasting benefits without causing harm. Although AAT is not a new drug, its use in treating GVHD appears promising with a good safety record.12345
Why do researchers think this study treatment might be promising?
Most treatments for graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) rely on corticosteroids to suppress the immune system. However, the investigational treatment, alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT), offers a unique approach by targeting inflammation at its source. AAT is a protein that naturally helps control inflammation, and researchers are excited about its potential to reduce the harmful immune response associated with GVHD. Unlike standard treatments, which broadly suppress the immune system, AAT specifically aims to protect tissues from inflammatory damage, potentially offering a more targeted and less immunosuppressive option.
What evidence suggests that AAT with corticosteroids could be an effective treatment for acute GVHD?
In this trial, participants will receive either alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) or a placebo. Earlier research has shown that AAT holds promise in treating acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Specifically, AAT infusions produced lasting positive effects for patients whose GVHD did not improve with steroids. These studies also found that AAT had few side effects and low infection rates. The treatment reduces inflammation, which is crucial in managing GVHD. Overall, early findings suggest AAT could be a strong option for those dealing with this condition.23467
Who Is on the Research Team?
Study Director
Principal Investigator
CSL Behring
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for patients aged 12 or older who have acute GVHD after a stem cell transplant and need systemic therapy with corticosteroids. It's not for those previously treated with AAT, having cancer that's returned or not responding to treatment, using steroids within the last week before GVHD onset, or currently on other drugs for GVHD.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive either AAT with corticosteroids or corticosteroids alone for the treatment of high-risk acute GVHD
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
Long-term follow-up
Participants are monitored for overall survival, progression-free survival, and chronic GVHD
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT)
- Placebo
Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) is already approved in United States, European Union for the following indications:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) associated with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) associated with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
CSL Behring
Lead Sponsor
Dr. Paul McKenzie
CSL Behring
Chief Executive Officer since 2023
PhD in Chemical Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University, B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania
Dr. Bill Mezzanotte
CSL Behring
Chief Medical Officer since 2021
MD from Duke University
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Collaborator
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Collaborator
Blood and Marrow Transplant Clinical Trials Network
Collaborator
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Collaborator